Tuesday, 5th Week of Easter

Psalm 61

Psalm 61 is largely a personal lament and prayer to God for personal deliverance. But then comes verse 6: “Add length of days to the king’s life; let his years extend for many generations.” Many of the Psalms combine the personal and political in this way. By tradition, all the Psalms were written by King David. Even if – as most scholars now believe – they weren’t all written at the time of David, they were certainly written in the context of a royal court.

At a time when political authority was truly personal, that is, bound up in one person chosen by God, it was natural for the people of Israel to see their personal welfare intimately linked to the welfare of the king who was also their chosen shepherd. We live in different time, of course. We believe that no man is above the law, not even the person who increasingly wields his authority like an ancient king, albeit for a limited term.

And yet, particularly in this time of economic uncertainty, we have been reminded that as the country goes, so go many of its citizens. In what ways do you see your well-being connected to the well-being of this city, this state, this nation? As you pray for yourself, and those you love, remember also to pray for our land.